Susan Ambinder
Information (212)755-6431April 21, 1998. Spanish for Kids, a play group designed to teach toddlers Spanish in a fun and entertaining setting, is in full swing.
The group was started by two women -- Susan Ambinder and Helena Ramos -- who met while tending to children of their own. Helena, a native of Colombia, conducts the group entirely in Spanish with a great deal of enthusiasm. Small groups of children ages 1 1/2 - 4 have fun singing, dancing, parachuting and jumping through hoops (literally). The animal puppet show seems to be the highlight of the group. The kids move swiftly from one activity to the next, learning about animals, foods, body parts, numbers and more. They're having so much fun that they don't realize they're doing it in another language.
"Children of this age are ripe for learning. Language comes easy to them ... much easier than if they wait until they are taught in traditional schools. And the small number of children in our groups allows for a maximum of individual attention" says Susan.
Parents/caregivers are given audio tapes and song sheets early in the series to practice the songs with their children at home.
The playgroups are held on Saturday mornings at Child's Play under the auspices of the Central Presbyterian Church at Park Ave. and E. 64th St. The spring session, which began on March 21st, goes through the end of May. Summer and fall schedules are in the works and will be expanded to include more groups. The next open house will be held on Saturday, May 30th at 12:00 noon. For information, call 212-755-6431.
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